The Nyamlel
Bridge in Aweil West County, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, will be formally
presented to the community and government on Thursday.
The bridge
was built by Rhino Star Company Limited with funding from the European Union
(EU) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
In addition, the
project was a joint effort by state and national governments, in collaboration
with the Ministry of Roads and Bridges of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State.
Originally
planned as part of the "Make Unity Attractive" initiative under the
2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the bridge is one of eight designated for
construction.
However,
following South Sudan's vote for independence in the January 2011 Referendum,
the initial contractor, Ayat Company, left the project incomplete.
Lazarus
Garang Thiep, director general at the State Ministry of Roads and Bridges,
announced the official opening during a live talk show on Akol Yam 91.0 FM.
Garang
highlighted the bridge's significance in improving connectivity between
counties and facilitating trade with neighboring Sudan.
"This
bridge will greatly enhance the connection between counties, especially during
flooding seasons. Before its construction, many people lost their lives falling
into the river. The bridge will also ease the transportation of goods and
services from Sudan to our state headquarters," said Garang.
Residents
expressed their gratitude for the new infrastructure, acknowledging its
positive impact on their lives.
However, some
called for additional repairs to damaged roads to fully maximize the benefits
of the bridge.
"I am
very thankful to our government for bringing this positive change to the people
of Aweil West and North. It will be a great help,” said Ayok Wol.
For his part,
Anguei Grumpul argued that, though he welcomes the construction of the bridge,
the concerned authorities should tar the roads.
Grumpul said,
"It's good that the bridge is now operational, but I urge the state
government to renovate the damaged roads so everyone can benefit equally. Some
roads are still impassable due to poor conditions."
Meanwhile,
Mou Abuk called for delivery of the other much-needed services, such as
security and healthcare in the area.
"I
appreciate the state government because these are the kinds of services we
expect from our leaders,” he explained.
This
indispensable bridge connects Gok Machar of Aweil North County with Aweil West,
and many people have risked their lives crossing it on foot.
Officials
report that since then, up to 20 people have died while attempting to cross it,
with the most recent death being reported in June 2022. Chol Akoon, 56,
reportedly slipped and fell to his death that day.